Adoniram Judson's Astonishing Proposal Letter

Before I proposed marriage to Taylor AnneMarie McCallum (she now has a more flashy last name), I first took Taylor's dad out to coffee, explained to him my intentions, articulated exactly why I wanted to marry his daughter, and then asked for his permission to marry Taylor. After a brief silence, her father shook my hand, gave me his blessing, thanked me for coming to him first, and prayed for me. That was the best cup of coffee I ever purchased.As a pastor, I urge all young men to, if possible, first propose permission for marriage to the father before proposing marriage to the daughter.In preparing to propose to Nancy Hasseltine in 1810, Adoniram Judson took a similar approach and first sought the permission of Nancy's father, John Hasseltine. Adoniram sought Mr. Hasseltine's permission by way of a letter. This is a stunning letter. Even more stunning is that Mr. Hasseltine consented to the marriage. I love that Adoniram appeals to the incarnation of Christ as grounds for Nancy to leave her father's home and embark upon a married life of humble, missionary service. Here's the letter:

I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls, for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with the crown of righteousness, brightened with the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Savior from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?